The New CD: Hemingway's Porch

Looking down from Hemingway’s Porch

The green lawn one story below

Dressed up for a wedding

White lanterns in trees

And tables with satin bows

I imagine the couples are dancing

Like ghosts in a reverie

Shades and shadows

Whirling and twirling

Then fading from my memory

©2013 Dani Hoy Music

In 2010, when visiting Key West for the first time, I had a day where it was just me riding around the island on a bicycle, exploring. That day is recording in an earlier blog so you can scroll down for that story.

Part of the my excursion included a visit to Ernest Hemingway's Home & Museum. http://www.hemingwayhome.com/. While waiting for the tour, I walked around, checking out the grounds, enjoying the beautiful home just observing. The tour was worthwhile and the tour guide was a really great guy. This is a must-see in Key West. 

While by myself, I spent time enjoying the views from the upstairs porch that ran around the one side off the master bedroom. On one side was a lawn set up for a party with beautiful white tables and hanging lanterns. Such a lovely site. 

Looking from the back I observed the cats, some with six toes, some not, meandering among the tourists, very well at ease. I could see their grave markers, their names on bricks, bowls for food and small cat homes to get out of the weather. 

The things I saw there stayed in my memory and developed into a song that will be on the new CD coming out this summer. The first part above is my initial observation. The song is 3/4 time, gentle and a nice reminiscence. I don't have a demo to share at this point with you. Sorry about that! You'll be hearing it soon enough, though. Hope to see you down the road!

New CD project songs: Gone Native

I was just in a production meeting Friday night with Kevin Johnston at Orca Sound Studios. Kevin produced my first CD and did such an amazing job I feel he's the best man for the next project. We discussed the project, the songs we think would be best for it, the budget, and many other things in relation to music. I'm really looking forward getting started on the recording next Sunday, April 7th. I've attached the song demo I made on my iPad of "Gone Native," one of the songs that will be on the CD and possibly the name for the CD.

The song was inspired during one of my recent trips to Key West. I had this kind of jumpy jive in mind and the song is lively and fun. The song is about those individuals who make that leap and decide Key West is the place for them for whatever reason. There are three stories in the song: The first one was inspired by a musician friend who moved there later in life; the second story is a woman I met who grew up there and always longed to return, finally moving back with just a few dollars in her pocket. She told me," I wouldn't leave here if I could. This is paradise."

The last story is my summary of my own feelings about Key West and the Keys in general. If I could find a way to live there I would. Every time I visit a piece of my heart and some of my soul stays behind. It's hard to explain the way I feel so at home there, when I'm there. Maybe some day I'll take that leap…

 I'm going to be blogging about the CD as we work on the project so please follow me, if you would! Any comments, thoughts, jokes, whatever, are more than welcome.

Back to Key West

(Enjoy this frenetic demo inspired by just sitting on a plane and letting my mind wander.) 

My bags are mostly packed and I'll be off again, up into the air and setting down in Fort Lauderdale where I'll pick up a mid-size rental car and drive the Overseas Highway to Key West. The last time I was here was for Meeting of the Minds (MOTM)in October/November. This time I'm going for a few different reasons. 

The major reason I'm going is to play at the Southernmost Coconut Castaways Relay for Life Jump Up at Pearl's Patio on United St. on March 16 from 1-4pm.  Featuring the music of Key West Chris Rehm http://keywestmusic.blogspot.com/ as well as my own music, the event benefits the Castaways' Relay Team and will be a great time. There are lots of food and drink specials, as well as the Key West Bar Card. Pearl's is a fun place to hang out with a hot tub and swimming pool and a nice, intimate bar area.  http://www.southernmostcoconutcastaways.com/Default.aspx?pageId=1472497&eventId=608905&EventViewMode=EventDetails

Afterwards, Chris and I will be at Green World Gallery from 7-9pm. There will be drinks and, of course, beautiful art work and crafts plus Trop Rock CDs from your favorites. If you can't be there, watch the web cam! http://www.greenworldgallery.com/live-koz-cam/

Another reason is that I'll be appearing on US Radio 1 Friday, March 15 about 10:30am on the Biz Baz show with Leigha Fox. You can listen live here! http://us1radio.com/bizbaz.cfm

While I'm there, I'm going to visit a few places in advance of MOTM when I'll be back again. I figure I might as well introduce myself for "Parrot Head Week" shenanigans. 

The final reason for going? It's Key West! You know I like it there! I get a lot of great memories and song ideas when I'm there. I think I'll visit Fort Zach this time and you may see me on Duval in front of Sloppy Joe's.  I'll try to announce it! http://www.liveduvalstreet.com/

By the way, it's St. Patrick's Day weekend and there is a BIG bar crawl I won't be participating in because of playing music. Guaranteed it will be a wild weekend nonetheless. There are always tons of things going on in Key West on any given weekend, it seems. Hope you can make it down!

See you at the End of the Road,

Dani

"Well I've Been Afraid of Changing"

What a difference a few years make. Four years ago, in 2009, I started going to my first open mic nights and I could barely play three songs. What were they? I'm not totally sure but I think one was "Angel from Montgomery." Keeping a rhythm, changing chords and singing simultaneously were a challenge. I had always enjoyed singing but never tried to learn to play a song on the guitar. How weird that seems, looking back.

Who's this kid? 1997

Other that that, I also was involved in community theatre, did a lot more gardening, had never been out of the country (went to Ireland in 2010!) and had never been to Key West (again in 2010). You can see from the pictures in this blog how different I look. The oldest photo is from 17 years ago when I visited New Orleans with my mom and brother (Mom's been gone 8 years now). The next photo is from my cousin's wedding in 2009 and the most recent ones are from this year. Of course, this is just the stuff you see on the outside. What's going on inside? Good question!

2009

Without going into too much BORING detail, or getting too personal, becoming a traveling, performing singer-songwriter has changed my perspective of my relationship to the world. My first CD, "TropiGal," is 10 songs put together from observations made from where I sat (or stood) at the time. The song "TropiGal" is an anthem, a call to action, if you will. Four years ago, "tropigal" was part of my e-mail address. Four years later, it's my brand, my nickname and a bigger part of who I am. Something I had to define now defines me. 

2013

I began writing songs in 2010 just for fun and because I was improving musically. The rest of the songs on "TropiGal" are based on my experiences prior to then. The next CD, which will begin production soon, is observations and experiences since then. A lot has happened in my life since the release of "TropiGal" and the next CD will reflect that. Musically it will also be a stretch because I've learned a lot more since then and I don't want to keep writing the same kinds of songs over and over. I hope you'll like what you hear. Kevin Johnston, my producer, seems to like a lot of what I've sent him and he will be working on my next CD, as yet untitled. 

 
As I embark on new adventures this year, I have to wonder what other changes are coming. Life is unpredictable at best and hopefully the punches don't come too quickly to duck. With love and luck I'm expecting good things. Thanks for hanging in there with me so far and thanks for listening to my music! Stay tuned. Things are just getting interesting…

A Key West Memory

 

The first time I traveled to Key West was in November 2010 for my first Meeting of the Minds (see previous blog posts for more info and stories about MOTM). When Barb, Sharon and I blew into town in Barb's rented red Ford Mustang convertible it was nighttime and we were trying to make our way down Duval to the Hog's Breath. We had one big problem: the closer you got to Front St., the more water you had to drive through. The road was flooded and finding a parking spot was insanity! 

The next two days were downright cold by Key West standards. We were thwarted for a couple of nights in our desire to see the famous sunset and participate in the Sunset Celebration on Mallory Square. Finally on what I recall was the third day there, we would have our chance. It was still a bit cool but steadily improving. To find out how that story went, listen to "Drunk on Mallory Square" above. It's a true story! I did follow some chickens there while carrying a rum punch and feeling pretty sauced. I'm still not sure how I managed to work my video camera. 

A couple of days later it was bright, sunny and downright gorgeous. Since my compadres were feeling a bit under the weather, I walked down to The Bike Shop on Truman and rented a bicycle. Then I decided to get lost. That's when I discovered the island.

MOTM is a rat race. Any convention or tourist happening is. There is too much to do, too many musicians in town to see, but that's what it's all about. Abbondanza! On this day I escaped the rat race, rode on some back roads, and this is what I found: a community, a spirit and a place of rare beauty once you get off the beaten path. 

I rode for a few hours around back streets stopping for fish and chips and Guinness at Shauna Key. Then I traveled down S. Roosevelt past the airport, almost back to the Overseas Highway intersection, then turned around and headed back. 

At Higgs Beach I stopped to talk to some folks and caught a rugby game. I'd never seen a rugby game before and it was wild, crazy action. The teams were playing on the beach because the rains from a few days ago had ruined the pitch. It was enjoyable to just kick back and chat and enjoy the game. I had lots of time on my hands and no desire to head back to Duval so I rode over to see the Southernmost monument and visit Ernest Hemingway's Key West home on Whitehead.

The monument was busy as usual. I should have had someone take my photo with it but I guess I just didn't think about it. At the Hemingway Home I paid my for my ticket, locked up my bike and had a little time to explore before tour time. I recommend going on the tour because my tour guide was just great. He pointed things out I wouldn't have known on my own and he was very entertaining. Upstairs on the balcony that runs around the house I was struck by the interesting views, feeling almost like a ghost watching the proceedings. The house has a beautiful, still feeling that's hard to explain. Being an animal lover I enjoyed the fluffy felines everywhere. Finally we stopped by the pool and learned about the famous first pool in Key West. 

Finally it was time to meet up with friends and get back to the drinking and debauchery that we were there for. Sometime later I recall a bit of inebriated bike riding down to the Casa Marina for the night's entertainment. Something tells me it was Jimmy and the Parrots.

In any event, of the days from that trip that I cherish most, I'm quite sure this day was the top. Seeing Key West from a more local perspective is eye opening. I highly recommend ditching your car and renting a bicycle, not a scooter. You'll find a heart of an island better when you're not zooming around it at 25mph.

The TropiGator Tour

From January 10 through the 14th I was cruising around Southwest/South Central Florida in a 2013 black Kia Forte rental, tapping the steering wheel to my favorite tunes playing from my iPad through the car's stereo system. I drove at least and hour and a half each day and the car was beyond comfortable. My reason for traveling was to do my first Florida tour, a short one I called "TropiGator Tour." Having a full time job and a limit on vacation I wish I could have done more concerts. It's a start and I'm very encouraged by the response I received! 

After flying into Tampa and visiting with my aunt and uncle I drove to Bonita Springs for a house concert at Cheryl and Norm Kayser's "Laughing Parrot Tiki Hut." It was a beautiful night and 35 good folks showed up to hear me sing and play. I met so many great people on this tour! I'm thankful to Cheryl and Norm for their wonderful hospitality.

The next morning I had a delicious breakfast (and spicy Bloody Mary!) at the home of Sandy Shaefer Kayser and John Friday. It was a pleasant, balmy Florida morning. Apparently I had arrived at the same time as a warm front. I had days in the 80's and was grateful for the air conditioning at times. After breakfast, John and I jammed a bit together then I hit the road back toward Tampa, heading to Holmes Beach and Anna Marie Island.

AMI, the shortened name of the island, is very beautiful and also "old Florida." It's a great place to relax, fish, boat and listen to Trop Rock music at The Sandbox. Cross Grassy Pointe Bayou on Rt. 64, Manatee Ave., and make a left, then a right on 31st and a left on Avenue E. The Sandbox is a little oasis disguised as a backyard complete with a pool, palm trees, a bar and a small stage. Paul and Diana, the owners and proprietors of this donation only concert venue, also have a very nice vacation rental property next door that is for rent at a reasonable price. 

This evening I was joined by my friend Rick Schettino. I had met Rick in Key West during MOTM and he was literally everywhere. He even jammed with us poolside at the Wicker Guesthouse. Rick accompanied me and did some of his own songs. You can find out more about Rick here: http://rickschettino.com/music/. We had an awesome night and were joined by Rick McGuire http://schoonerandthewharfrats.com/ who played a few songs and jammed. As for the tiki hut, the "Pabloritas" were flowing and so was The Kraken! The night was capped off with an acoustic jam around the firepit and a brief splash in the gulf under the stars. I should have some live cuts to share soon on Soundcloud.

The next morning after another good breakfast plus a pair of mimosas, Rick and I cruised off to the Nav-A-Gator Grill in Arcadia. Another beautiful afternoon was upon us. It was a bit windy as we set up and a little into the afternoon but still bright, sunny and warm. The fun was not terribly dimmed by the fact that I locked my keys in my trunk. Gallant Rick whipped out his AAA card and set me up! Lots of great friends showed up including the Kaysers and Paul and Diana. John Friday http://johnfriday.com/and Sandy Kayser were there and John popped up to do a little harp while I sang plus we sang John Prine's "In Spite of Ourselves." Rick accompanied me until AAA got there, then popped back on stage with my car keys and resumed playing. Rick did a few songs of his own which are outstanding! 

Randy Zimmerman and girlfriend/manager Kay Adams were also "in the house." I've know Randy for years as a member of Tropical Soul and just an all-around good guy. He and Kay have moved to Florida for awhile. He kicks ass on guitar and hopped up to play along for a few, then we switched guitars and he did a few of his own awesome tunes. It was a really great time at the Nav! http://www.randyzmusic.com/

If you go to the Nav-A-Gator http://nav-a-gator.com/ you will love it! Great drinks, delicious food (Super Grouper!) and a fun atmosphere plus it's on the Peace River so you can go out on a cruise and see some gators. They have a cute store where you can buy t-shirts and gator back scratchers. There is a new tiki bar as well. Lots of great music there day and night!

After a nice supper at the Nav, I headed north to Venice to catch Sunny Jim and Brent Burns at the Venice Train Depot. It was a fun time watching those two guys play off of each other. They are awesome musicians, songwriters and just delightful! I could watch them all day. Folks had brought food and Norm Kayser (and Cheryl) was there, sharing his Yuengling Lager with me. I met some new friends and some old and got to kick back for awhile!
https://sunnyjim.com/  http://www.brentburns.com/

I spent the night at the Days Inn Port Charlotte. What a wonderful hotel! http://www.daysinn.com/hotels/florida/port-charlotte/days-inn-port-charlotte/hotel-overview. After a continental breakfast, I headed to the pool where I found Dave Calhoun from Seattle with his wife and a friend who tagged along. Dave had played at the Nav-A-Gator the night before I did. http://www.tropzone.com/ Dave and I jammed around the pool for a bit, then I put the guitar down and swam in the heated pool! It felt good, like bath water. Soon it was time to leave and I packed the Kia and drove to Lake Placid, FL. 

Lake Placid, Reader's Digest's "Most Interesting Town," is home to an amazing variety of culture from over 40 murals to a clown college, plus it is the calladium capital of the world (http://tourlakeplacid.com/). My afternoon gig as at Dock 633 on Lake June Rd. entertaining the Ol' South Parrothead Club (Polly IS a cracker!). https://www.facebook.com/Dock633. The crowd was amazing and it was fun to see old friends John and Irene Flinchbaugh who had been at the Nav the day before. Jimi DiNapoli and the rest of the crew made me feel quite at home. I hope to get back there again sometime soon! http://www.osphc.org/

I spent a day chilling with friends the next day and drove around a bit. Driving by myself feels freeing, in a way. I get to do my own thing, listen to music, think about where I've been, where I'm going. My life has become an amazing adventure and I'm looking forward to more travels and opportunities down the road. I'm working on lots of new songs and a second CD is in my future. Soon I will be in Tampa, then Key West. After that, it's on to Ohio and points west, then back to Key West in October and the beginning of November for MOTM. I can't wait to see how things develop this year and where the next bend in the road takes me. I hope to see you there.

Dani

Going Back Down South!

Hey! Just a quickie. 

The last time I was in Florida (OK, I know. Key West ISN'T really Florida. If I don't say this now I will hear about it from SOMEBODY down there on the island), I had an incredible time playing music, riding my bike all over town with my guitar. You can read all about that in my previous posts about MOTM. Well, I'm going down to SW Florida for a few days this weekend to play for some more Parrot Head phriends and I couldn't be more thrilled!

Tomorrow morning I'm flying out from Baltimore to Tampa, meeting my Aunt and Uncle for lunch, then traveling by rental car to Bonita Springs to play a house concert at The Laughing Parrot Tiki Bar. Friday I'll be joined by Rick Schettino (http://rickschettino.com/music/) at the Sandbox AMI, BeachfrontRadio.com's #1 House Concert Venue as voted on by the Beachfront Radio listeners (The Laughing Parrot was #4). Saturday I'll be at the World Famous Nav-A-Gator Grille in Arcadia with Rick as well! Finally, on Sunday, I'm playing for the Ol' South Parrot Head Club at Dock 633 in Lake Placid.

I have lots of new songs and Rick will be doing a few of his. I met Rick while at MOTM and I think we'll complement each other well musically. I love to collaborate and see what other musicians bring to my songs. You can follow me on Facebook or check my follow-up posts to see how things went! Check out my website for more info and to hear music. www.danihoymusic.com

For now, enjoy and see you some day at the End of the Road,

Dani